NERC releases electricity meter regulation

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC) has released the much anticipated electricity meter regulation, which is expected to bridge the metering gap and fast-track metering of all electricity customers.

This is according to NERC vice chairman, Engr Sanusi Garba, who presented the developments to members in the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing on the second last day of their 2018 retreat titled, “Planning For Team Work Delivery”, which was chaired by Energy Minister, Babatunde Fashola.

According to The Leadership, the meter regulation is to come into effect once approved by the ministry.

Financial support

The Leadership reported that according to Garba, private investors – excluding the distribution companies – can now procure meters in understanding with the concerned DisCos to recoup their fees through charges built into the end user’s electricity bill.

Media cited Garba who noted that under the regulation the N39 billion ($108 million), recently approved by the Federal executive council (FEC), will be loaned to certified investors on application as a measure to encourage investment.

According to him, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the World Bank and other development partners are on board to finance meter procurement.

With the regulation in place, Garba said “anybody given the meter, going forward will pay [a] Meter Service Charge”, adding that the commission will be setting the electricity tariff in 2018.

Minister Fashola added: “Meter procurement is not the core business of the DisCos. Their major focus is to provide key distribution facilities like transformers, poles, cables, etc. where they are needed, and distribute power.” Read more: Discos withholding payments

According to him, DisCos will now advertise for Meter Access Providers (MAP).

Ashley Theron-Ord is based in Cape Town, South Africa at Clarion Events-Africa. She is the Senior Content Producer across media brands including ESI Africa, Smart Energy International, Power Engineering International and Mining Review Africa.